The All India Tennis Association today slammed veteran tennis player
Mahesh Bhupathi for threatening to drag AITA to the court and said he
was free to take legal action.

AITA senior executive committee member Hiranmoy Chatterjee told PTI
that Bhupathi was banned from playing for the country till June 2004
under the rules provided in the constitution of the governing body.

"We
took the decision after a meeting of the players disciplinary
committee. Under Rule 36 A(2) of the AITA constitution, a player stands
suspended under disciplinary grounds if he declines to play for
state/country without reason," Chatterjee said.

"We are firm on our stance. Let him take whatever action he wants to," he said.

"We
have not used the word ban. We would not consider him for selection
till June 2014. (Rohan) Bopanna too has to suffer as he too had declined
to play," he added.

He, however, added that the doors of AITA would be open if they come forward and apologise.

Chatterjee accused Bhupathi of trying to play the role of player, selector and administrator at the same time.

"Bhupathi
wants to be a player, selector and administrator at the same time.
Let's take an example of Indian cricket team, tomorrow if Gautam Gambhir
says he would not play for India if he is not allowed to open batting
with Virender Sehwag. What will happen then?" Chatterjee asked.

Chatterjee also defended Leander Paes, whom he said has always given his best for the country.

"At
one time Bhupathi is blaming AITA and at one time Leander. Leander has
nothing to do with this. He has always given his best foot forward for
the country."

Stung by the two-year ban imposed on him, Bhupathi
had earlier in the day accused AITA of resorting to "divide-and-rule"
policy and said its "dictatorial attitude" will be harmful for the
future of Indian tennis.

Addressing a press conference in Mumbai,
a hurt Bhupathi made a scathing attack on AITA and its president Anil
Khanna who, he alleged, was playing "dirty politics" and creating rift
among players, particularly between him and Paes.